Day 43 - Serbia, Golubac to Donji Milanovic.

Today we rode a short 35 miles along a very scenic and historic part of the Danube.  The roads, which were originally carved out by the Romans during the reign of Tiberius, were smooth and had light traffic. There were several tunnels which are a bit disorienting on a bike and some climbs.  I’ve seen many memorials for loved ones who have died presumably where the plaques have been erected, along the road. 

We spent most of the day lounging in the heat at the Traijan Hostel and talking with other cyclists heading to the Black Sea. We hadn’t seen any other cyclists for many days but suddenly they arrived. We even saw Mark who arrived with a young rider from France late in the day. 

Day 42 - Serbia, Smederevo to Golubac.

We rode out at 6:30 in a light fog and cool morning to reach a 10:30 ferry crossing across the Danube to Ram. We took a road route off the EV6 to avoid bumpy, grassy, pot holes like the previous day and we were rewarded with smooth asphalt, light traffic and open valleys with mountains in the distance. The scenery completely changed and continued to get more dramatic throughout the day. We are now in a mountainous region where the river has carved deep into the mountains.  We stopped at a lake for an afternoon swim before lunch.  Tomorrow we will ride into a gorge with steep cliffs on both sides which are part of national parks on both the Romanian and Serbian side of the river. At our ferry crossing in Ram the Romanian border began along the river to the north.  Our apartment tonight has a nice view of the bay and city of Golubac.

The little red car - I have decided is the official Serbian national car. I’ve seen them everywhere.  1970’s, red and in varying condition.

Day 41 - Belgrade to Smederevo, Serbia.

Probably the bumpiest day of our journey.  We rode on grassy single track levee for many miles then along pot holed (with water) for about 15 miles. Donna and I met at 8am at Republic square and departed Budapest. The route was only 44 miles but very challenging. Mitch rode on his own later in the day. We arrived in Smederevo at 2pm where we stayed at a large apartment for 43€. We shopped, ate lunch and dinner at a great Mexican reataraunt, rested and planned our next day. 

Day 40 - Novi Sad to Belgrade, Serbia.

Uneventful 64 (total 1987) miles into Belgrade today. Lots of riding on bumpy roads. We met with Donna tonight for dinner and will ride together tomorrow. Belgrade seems like a happening city but not at all bike friendly. No infrastructure at all. We’re in a very nice private room at Up Hostel for only $40!